Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (Pets Best), a leading U.S. pet insurance agency, today released its list of the top 10 most popular dog and cat breeds enrolled with the agency in 2013.

In the company’s eight years of insuring dogs and cats, the top 10 most popular breeds have remained relatively consistent. However, the agency has noticed definite trends during the years, with certain breeds gaining popularity and others falling in the rankings.

While a number of breeds have gained popularity in recent years, the French bulldog has seen the most dramatic rise. In 2006, the French bulldog was the 55th most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best. By 2013, the small, muscular pooch soared up the list to become the 19th most popular breed.

“Several years ago, French bulldogs started popping up in television commercials and print ads,” said Dr. Jack Stephens, president and founder of Pets Best. “When a relatively unknown dog breed begins to enter the mainstream, it creates a buzz among prospective pet owners and begins to affect ownership trends.”

Compared to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) 2012 dog registration statistics, the Pets Best top 10 list offers several surprising findings. First, the No. 1 most popular dog breed enrolled with Pets Best not only in 2013 but throughout the agency’s history is a mixed or designer breed. This is of note because the AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, without highlighting the popularity of mixed breeds. Pets Best found mixed-breed dogs solidly hold the No. 1 spot. In 2013, mixed breeds made up nearly 30 percent of all canines enrolled with the agency.

While the AKC list does not include pit bulls, the Pets Best rankings show pit bulls as the seventh most popular dog of 2013. Based on data from Pets Best, this category includes the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. The category climbed from 10th place in 2007.

In addition to these rankings, the ever-popular Labrador retriever held second place for most popular dog breeds. Among the top cat breeds, the domestic shorthair ranked first, followed by mixed-breed cats and the American shorthair.

Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2013
1.       Mixed breed

2.       Labrador retriever

3.       Yorkshire terrier

4.       Golden retriever

5.       Chihuahua

6.       Shih Tzu

7.       Pit bull

8.       Dachshund

9.       German shepherd

10.   Maltese and English bulldog (tie)

Top 10 Cat Breeds of 2013
1.       Domestic shorthair

2.       Mixed breed

3.       American shorthair

4.       Domestic longhair

5.       Domestic medium hair

6.       Siamese

7.       Maine coon

8.       Ragdoll

9.       Bengal

10.   Persian

“While the popularity of dog and cat breeds can be affected by factors such as a spotlight in the media and pop culture, I encourage people to do their research on breeds to learn whether a specific dog or cat will be the best fit for their lifestyle,” Dr. Stephens said. “Additionally, pet owners should ensure that they are financially prepared to take care of this pet and the inevitable health issues that will arise over the pet’s lifetime.”

Pets Best offers a multitude of pet health insurance plans for both cats and dogs. These include a Cancer Only plan covering the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, as well as a Feline Illness plan that covers 21 common feline illnesses. For more information about the agency and its plans, visit www.petsbest.com.

About Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC
Dr. Jack L. Stephens, president of Pets Best, founded pet insurance in the U.S. in 1981 with a mission to end euthanasia when pet owners couldn’t afford veterinary treatment. Dr. Stephens went on to present the first U.S. pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Pets Best provides coverage for dogs and cats and is the only veterinarian founded and operated pet insurance company in the United States. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best team with his passion for quality pet care and his expert veterinary knowledge. He is always available to answer questions regarding veterinarian medicine, pet health and pet insurance. The Pets Best team is a group of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value. Visit www.petsbest.com for more information.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit: www.ihcgroup.com. Additional insurance services administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Prime Insurance Company. Some existing business is underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

Pets Best is a proud member of the North America Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).